Meet the Need unites with Inghams to provide more protein to foodbanks

Farmer-led food charity Meet the Need has announced a new partnership with Inghams, New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer, significantly boosting the amount of high-quality protein distributed to foodbanks and community organisations across the country.

Through the partnership, Inghams chicken will be included alongside milk and mince in Meet the Need’s nationwide food distribution network, helping ensure families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious, protein-rich food at a time when demand for support continues to rise.

Meet the Need general manager Zellara Holden says the addition of chicken is a crucial step in responding to growing pressure on food banks.

“Demand for food support continues to increase across Aotearoa, and protein is one of the most requested, yet hardest to source, food items for community organisations.

“This partnership with Inghams allows us to significantly increase the amount and variety of quality protein reaching families who need it most.

“Meet the Need exists to connect quality New Zealand food with communities under pressure, and having chicken alongside milk and beef mince means foodbanks can provide more balanced, nutritious food parcels.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Inghams for stepping up at such a critical time.”

Inghams chief executive Matthew Easton says the partnership aligns strongly with the company’s long-standing commitment to nourishing communities and making a positive difference.

“Inghams is delighted to support Meet the Need in their mission to connect quality New Zealand protein with Kiwi families experiencing food insecurity.

“As New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer, we’re committed to nourishing communities and making a positive difference where it matters most.

Easton says Inghams’ focus on quality and well-being makes the partnership a natural fit.

“As the first company to achieve 100 per cent SPCA certification for both free range and barn-raised chicken, Inghams shares Meet the Need’s commitment to quality nutrition and community well-being.

“We are proud to support this vital cause and help ensure the protein we produce reaches families who need it most.

“For more than 100 years, Inghams has been bringing people together over great tasting food.

“This partnership reflects our values of quality, sustainability, and community care.”

Meet the Need works with farmers and corporate partners to convert donations of cash, milk, mince, and now chicken into nutritious food distributed through accredited food hubs and food banks nationwide.

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to impact households across New Zealand, the charity says partnerships like this are essential to meeting growing need.